Amy's POV

"You didn't tell them why I was really mad."

I jumped, my heart racing in my chest, smashing against my ribs hard enough to bruise them. The door to my hotel room swung shut behind me. I glanced around the room and spotted Dan, sitting up on the bed, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Dan." I relaxed, my hand over my hammering chest. "How did you get in here?"

He held up a thin, plastic card. "Spare key."

I blinked, startled. "Okay, why are you in here?"

He shrugged. "I wanted to talk. About last night. And this morning."

I sighed and slipped my feet out of my shoes, leaving them by the door, and joined my brother on the bed. "Sure. Let's talk."

We sat side-by-side, shoulders pressed together. I felt his intake of breath, and peered at him from the corner of my eye. He was staring straight ahead, at the door, when he began to speak. "I'm still mad at you. Not as mad, but… Amy, you could've been hurt. I know we've been through a lot, and we've been in more dangerous situations, but I'm brother, and, younger or not, I care about you. I don't want to see him, or anyone, hurt you again."
"Dan…" I started, but I didn't know what to say. His tone was so somber, so much more mature than I was used to. It made me miss the old Dan, the annoying Ninja Lord who threw food at me and called me 'Nerd'.

"I know," he granted. "You're not weak. You can protect yourself. But that doesn't mean I won't stop caring."

I smiled, resting my head on his shoulder, and he wrapped his arm around my back. Sometime in the past few months, he seemed to have grown, and I hadn't even noticed. He seemed bigger than me, taller than me, older than me. And again, I missed the little boy who ran around in a Ninja costume and collected tombstone rubbings.

"I hope you don't stop caring," I said. "Because Dan cares, even if he acts like a little kid half the time."
"Dan is right here," he joked. "And you can call me Supreme Ninja Lord, or get out."

I rolled my eyes. "It's my room, Dork."

He laughed, and it vibrated through his side. "I know."

I breathed deeply through my nose, and let out a long, heavy breath, closing my eyes.

"Amy," Dan said softly, "You know what you did was stupid. You were all drunk, and there was no one there to make sure nothing happened. I was out of my mind with worry the moment you left; just ask Natalie."

I turned my head and peered up at him. "Why were you so worried? You didn't know what would happen."

He ran a hand through his hair. "To be honest, I was worried that Ian would hurt you. But I guess Natalie was right. I was watching him today. And you. He stuck right beside you all day, no matter where you went. If someone even looked at you in the wrong way, he'd give them a glare that made them run away screaming. And when he wasn't guarding you, he was watching you're every move like you were the most amazing thing he'd ever seen. I never believed anyone when they said he loved you, but I do now. And I think I can trust him with you. Even if you slept with him."

"Well, it had to be with someone, didn't it?" I joked, nudging him playfully in the side.

He cringed. "Don't say it like that. That sound so wrong."

I laughed at his expense, but didn't say anything. I had a feeling he still had more to say.

He sighed. "When I saw you open Ian's door wearing his shirt, I felt like barging in there and chopping his head off with my samurai sword. And when you acted so casual about it, I got so angry. I shouldn't have shouted at you in front of everyone. It must have been embarrassing enough without having everyone else knowing."

"They don't know. I didn't tell them," I pointed out.

Dan nodded. "I know. And that's your decision to make, not mine. If you want to tell everyone, you can. But I'll keep it a secret if that's what you want, too. But I still can't believe you let yourself get drunk at a club full of strangers, in a completely different country that you know nothing about. And what if it hadn't been Ian? What if it had been some stranger? What if you were stuck right now, in some creepy house, with a random guy, and you had no idea how to get back here? I know I'm being ridiculous, but I can't help wondering what could have happened. I want to keep you safe, Amy. I can't let anything happen to you."

It hurt, knowing that Dan spent his time worrying about what might happen to me. I wanted him to be enjoying his holiday, having fun with Natalie and everyone else. And I didn't want to rely on my baby brother my entire life.

"I get that you want to protect me, Dan," I told him, gripping his hand hard. "I really do. But I need to make my own mistakes and learn from them. If you're always trying to keep me safe, then what happens when you're suddenly not there? What am I supposed to do then? I need to stand up for myself, and I need to do stupid things so I know what my boundaries are. That's something you can't teach me, Dan. That's something you can't protect me from."

He squeezed my hand. "I know. But that doesn't mean I don't want to. I love you, Amy."

I leaned up and kissed his cheek. "I love you, too, Danny-o."

He snorted. "Not you, too."

"I think it's cute."

"Puppies are cute," he told me. "That name is not."

I laughed and rolled my eyes. "Whatever."

We sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, looking forwards towards the closed door.

"You know you'll always be my baby brother," I told him, breaking the silence. "No matter what."

He smiled. "Yeah, but I'll always be a Ninja Lord, too."

The door opened, then, and Nellie walked in. When she saw us, arms around each other, she smiled apologetically.

"Interrupting the tender moment. Sorry."

"That's okay," I said. "I was getting annoyed at how tall Dan is now, anyway."

Dan poked out a tongue. "I'm taller than you."

I rolled my eyes and climbed off the bed. "You can give me that spare room key now. I don't want you getting in here without my permission."

He tossed me the card, and it flew through the air and straight into my hand. "I don't need a key to get in, anyway," he said matter-of-factly. "I'm a ninja. I have my ways."

"That's creepy," Nellie muttered. "You better stay out of my room. Or you'll have a nose piercing to match mine."

Dan grinned. "Cool!" And ran out of the room.

"That was supposed to be a threat," Nellie told me, shaking her head.

I chuckled. "You can't threaten Dan."

She shrugged. "Yeah, well I can try. What were you talking about?"

I smiled. "We were just sorting things out. He's finding it hard to accept that I'm an adult."

"He'll have to get used to it, because there's no going back."

I nodded, glancing out the open window. The sky was still light.

"I think I'll go for a walk," I told her. "Is that okay?"

She nodded. "Go ahead. You can order room service whenever you get hungry. I'm going to this little café on the corner. The pasta looks amazing."

I smiled. "Thanks, Nellie."

When I stepped outside, the cool air slapped my face harshly. The weather seemed to have changed since yesterday, from hot and humid to cold and frosty. It wasn't as cold as winter at Grace's mansion, but compared to yesterday's heat, it was a sudden drop in the temperature, and a shiver ran down my spine as I walked down the half-empty streets. The sun was getting lower in the sky, and I knew I had about 30 minutes before it would be dark, but I knew the nearby streets surprisingly well, because we'd spent the day wandering around, looking at shops and boutiques, drinking coffee from cafés and listening to the live music acts around the city.

Nellies words were printed on my mind, like they'd been branded onto my memory. He'll have to get used to it, because there's no going back. She was right. Dan had no choice but to accept that I was not who I used to be, because now that I was eighteen, I couldn't turn back time and be a teenager again. I had no choice but to live with the decisions I'd made, and move on. If there's anything I regret in my life so far, there's nothing I can do about it. I have to get used to it, because there's no going back.

I repeated this line, over and over in my head, my eyes on my feet. I watched my black and white Converse lift up and down, take step after step, as I moved forwards. Thinking, it seemed, was one of my worst enemies. Not only because when I over-think things, I tend to come to the worst conclusions, or at least confuse myself beyond understanding. But because when I was thinking, I wasn't paying attention. So that's why I didn't see the red brake lights flash, hear the screech of tires on the ground, and smell the burn of friction and rubber. Not until it was too late, and I watched as the silver car drew closer, the brakes slammed on, and felt the impact of the great metal hulk as we collided. The last thing I remembered before I blacked out was a pain in my hip. But it quickly faded away as I fell into darkness.

Ian's POV

I paced back and forth in front of the lounge, my feet hitting the ground with an even rhythm. I clenched my hands into fists, then stretched my fingers out, running them through my hair. I could feel numerous sets of eyes following me, following my movement, but I ignored them, focusing on the steady beat of my footsteps, trying to push down the fear threatening to take over.

"What's going on? Why haven't they called?" I demanded to no one in particular. "And why can't we go to the hospital?"

No one bothered to answer. I'd asked these questions a dozen times over, and they gave up trying to calm me down a long time ago. But I couldn't help the panic that sped up the beating of my heart. I was anxious. I hadn't heard anything. Nothing but a few simple words on the phone from Nellie:

She was in a car accident. I don't know anything. I'll call you later.

That was it. Nothing more, nothing less. It was nothing to go off. I didn't even know if Amy was alive or not. No, I scolded myself. Don't think like that. Of course she's alive. You would feel it if she wasn't.

"You're yelling at yourself again, Ian," Natalie said. "Stop thinking the worst. Amy will be fine. She can get through anything."

"It's been three hours," I snapped. "How long does it take to find out whether she's okay or not?"

Natalie sighed, giving up. She'd tried already. Nothing she would say could calm me. Not unless I knew Amy was safe. Why couldn't they give us a measly phone call? I thought angrily. Then I kicked a chair over. It didn't brake, but the harsh clatter was satisfaction enough. My sudden burst of anger had gone just as quickly as it came. I stated up my pacing again, knowing that there'd be permanent ware marks on the carpet, but not caring in the slightest about the hotel's maintenance. I was all but consumed by the need to see Amy, to know that nothing was wrong, that she'd have barely a bruise to show for the accident.

"How long does it take?" I asked, feeing the fear rising up, no matter how hard I pushed it down. I raked my fingers through my hair.

"If you keep doing that," Jonah said, "You'll pull all of your hair out."

I snapped my head around to glare at him, but he seemed unaffected by my fury. So I picked up my pacing again. I knew the patch of carpet well, now. I'd followed the same route, in a small circle, at least a thousand times over by now.

I let out a roar of frustration. "This is getting ridiculous. All I want to know is whether she's okay or not. All they have to do is ring, say one word, and-"

The door opened, and Nellie came in, looking exhausted. She stepped aside and held the door open, and in walked Amy. She didn't seem to be hurt. She didn't seem to be effected at all, apart from a graze on her elbow. Relief flooded through me, and as she stepped further into the room, I rushed forwards and enveloped her in my arms.

I breathed in deeply. She smelled like Amy, with a faint trace of that hospital smell that made my stomach roil. But I didn't mind, because Amy was safe. And that's all that mattered.

I felt her relax in my embrace, and her arms went around my chest, her hands locking together behind my back.

"God, you scared me," I whispered into her hair. "Never do that to me again. I've been going crazy in here. They wouldn't tell me a thing. I wasn't even allowed to go to the hospital. Do you know how terrified I've been? I didn't even know if you were okay or-"

A pair of soft, delicate lips on mine cut me off, and I bent my neck forwards to reach her better, my grip around her waist tightening. Her mouth melded with mine, and we kissed softly, tenderly, for a long time. I reveled in the feeling of having her safe in my arms, and I made sure she would stay that way, holding her against me carefully. When we finally pulled back, I rested my forehead against hers.

"Don't do that again. Promise?" I asked, my breathing heavy.

She smirked. "I can't promise anything. I'm a Cahill."

I sighed and pressed a light kiss to her nose. "I love you," I whispered.

"I love you, too."

The rushing of blood circling my body seemed to stop and speed up at the same time. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, and I sucked in a breath. I looked into her soft, jade-green eyes, my heart skipping a beat when she met my gaze squarely, a linger of a smile gracing her features.

"Say that again," I whispered, grinning from ear-to-ear.

She smiled up at me, her eyes shining.

"I love you." Her words were like the wind, soft, gentle, quiet, sending a shiver racking down my spine. "I love you," she whispered again, pulling my head down to capture my lips with hers. I'd kissed Amy dozens of times before, but none of them had been like this kiss. My insides were twisted in a tangle of knots, and my throat was tight, constricted. But I deepened the kiss anyway, pressing our bodies together as though we were one. I felt a familiar tug in my stomach, a lustful longing to get even closer to Amy, to consume the fire in her heart, just as she does to me. But still, the kiss was gentle, even if a little rushed. Our entwined lips, our synchronized tongues, the deep moans that threatened to erupt from our mouths – each and every action we made together held so much passion, so much meaning. So much love.

Her hand reached up to twine in my hair when someone spoke behind us.

"Okay, what the hell is going on?"

My eyes widened, and I drew back slightly, turning my head towards the couch full of people. I'd forgotten we had an audience, but didn't seem to care a great deal.

"Shit," Nellie said, eyes wide. "That was…"

"Intense?" Jonah offered, and Nellie's red and blue hair swayed as she nodded.

"So?" Dan demanded, his cheeks flushed. Not with anger, I realised, but confusion and frustration, and possibly embarrassment. "You two want to explain?"

Sinead snorted. "How long was that? 6 months?"

"I won," Amy grinned.

"What's going on?" Ted asked. "I can't see."

"This explains so much," Hamilton muttered.

"I'm still confused," Dan said.

I let out a short burst of laughter. "Please stop talking before there are far too many questions to answer. Let's just go with the basics, shall we?"

Amy and I explained, in as little words as we could, that we had been a relationship for six months but had wanted to keep it a secret because of the bet. It took all of two minutes, longer than I had anticipated, but I was glad it was over, and the secret was finally out. It would make everything so much easier.

"So I win. I beat you," Amy said, sticking out her tongue.

I rolled my eyes. "One time, love. Let's not make a habit of it."

"I'm still confused," Dan said. "You could've told me. Maybe I wouldn't have been so mad if I'd known what was going on."

Amy turned in my arms and looked at him, eyebrow cocked, smirking. "You still would've been angry, Dan."

"True," Dan admitted. "But I would've understood."

"What I can't believe," Jonah exclaimed, "is that we kept it a secret for so long. I mean, I almost gave it away. Sinead nearly told Hamilton."

Sinead's grin was almost psychedelic. "That must mean they were in it for the prize. What do you win, Amy?"

Amy's eyes met mine. "Whatever I want."

"I'm going to regret this, aren't I?" I sighed, scratching my head.

Amy nodded, her eyes fluttering shut as she leaned into my chest, burying her head in the crook of my neck. She yawned, the sound muffled by my shirt.

"You need to rest, Amy," I told her. "You just got out of hospital."

"I nearly forgot," she admitted. I chuckled and kissed her hair.

"Alright. Clear out," Nellie commanded. "It's late, and I'm tired. Time for bed."

She held the door open and rushed everyone out of the room while I lead Amy to the bed. I took her shoes off and pulled the blankets over her, and knelt on the ground beside her, stroking her hair. Nellie sat on the edge of the bed and smiled.

"You really love her, don't you?" She asked softly.

"He better," Amy grumbled into her pillow.

I smiled and nodded. "'Love, Always'," I quoted from the inscription on Amy's necklace, smoothing her red hair off her face. I saw her reach up and grip the locket against her chest, her eyes still shut.

Nellie watched us for a moment longer, her gaze curious and adoring. Then she stood and waved goodnight. I pulled myself to my feet and moved to follow her when Amy's hand reached out and wrapped around my wrist, pulling me back.

"Don't leave me," she whispered.

I glanced at door where Nellie had paused to look back, then I looked down at Amy's resting form.

"Okay," I murmured, and slipped my shoes off to climb into the bed beside her. When I laid down, she rolled into my arms, cuddling into my chest. I heard the door click softly as it closed, and held Amy tightly.

"Goodnight, Love," I breathed into the night, but she was already asleep.

This is the second-last chapter of this story. I plan on one more, the Epilogue, where there's one more person to find out about their relationship. I hope you liked this chapter.

R&R x

I just want to put it out there that T rated FanFiction is, quote, "Suitable for teens, 13 years and older, with some violence, minor coarse language, and minor suggestive adult themes." (That's right out of the Rules & Guidelines). So, for my own intents and purposes, I think I should point this out:

Read The Rating (It happens to be a T)